Eric Chelle could reportedly be on the verge of a surprise return to Algerian football with JS Kabylie emerging as frontrunners to appoint the Super Eagles boss ahead of next season, Footynaija.com understands.
The Algerian giants are currently in search of a permanent manager following the departure of Josef Zinnbauer earlier this year after a disappointing run of results.
Despite finishing second in the league and securing CAF Champions League qualification, Kabylie endured a miserable campaign on the continent, failing to win any of their six group-stage matches while scoring only once.
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In search of their next manager, the club initially considered Tunisian tactician Mouine Chaabani, but reports now claim Chelle has become their leading target due to the transformation he has overseen with Nigeria.
Chelle’s familiarity with Algerian football also strengthens his candidacy, having previously managed MC Oran before taking charge of the Super Eagles in January 2025.
While the 48-year-old still has time remaining on his Nigeria contract, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term future amid reports of stalled extension talks with the Nigeria Football Federation.
That uncertainty could become a growing concern for the Super Eagles, especially after Chelle’s impressive impact since succeeding Augustine Eguavoen.
Although Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Franco-Malian guided the team to a bronze medal finish at the 2025 AFCON while earning praise for implementing a more attacking style of football.
Should Chelle eventually depart, it could represent a significant setback for a Super Eagles side that finally appears to be moving in the right direction.
